Timber prefab picks up major Australian award

A timber, prefabricated “innovation hub” by Architectus has been named the overall winner of an awards program that rewards innovative education design. The Macquarie University Incubator won the overall prize at the 18th Excellence in Educational Facilities Awards. The awards are organized by the Association for Learning Environments Australasia, which describes itself as the “peak body advocating for innovative learning environments throughout Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.” The organization draws its membership from both education sector and design and architecture.

The Incubator was also the winner in the “New Construction / New Individual Facility over $8 million” category. The jury said the building, which was completed in 2017 in just five months, “makes innovators want to be there and users want to innovate, linking the mind and spirit through form.

The predominantly timber building, which was fabricated off–site and assembled at Macquarie University, includes a ceiling structure made of cross–laminated timber (CLT), large span Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) beams and Glulam V columns. Construction involved Lipman and Strongbuild.

Johnson said the use of a range of engineered timbers allowed the architects to create “a sequence of spaces that are tactile and characteristically warm. And, somewhat unexpectedly, the natural aroma of this timber palette is a pleasure for its users.” More >>.

Photo: The Macquarie University Incubator by Architectus. Image: Brett Boardman